PWD commences work for 9 more groynes at Ennore Creek

Though the long-pending project had received the nod from the government in November, the commencement of the works got delayed due to the northeast monsoon, claimed a PWD official.

“The works are expected to be completed in another nine months. The groynes will be installed along the fishing hamlets, Chinnakuppam, Periyakuppam and ahead of Ernavoor Kuppam,” the official added.

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) would provide funding assistance for the project and the works would be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 35 crore. The installations would reduce the sea erosion along the villages that experience recurring floods during the monsoons.

Despite a brief spell of rain, the fishermen communities of Chinnakuppam and Periyakuppam grieve that the occurrences of inundation remain a constant scene for years together.

The project was conceived in 2015 to build a total of 19 groynes at vulnerable places near Ennore Creek. Subsequently, 10 groynes were laid along Talankuppam to reduce the instances of erosion in 2017. An expert team found that groynes laid along Talankuppam hamlet were disturbed after facing three cyclones in a short span of time.

Besides, the groynes would be realigned since their position were disturbed after witnessing three cyclones over the years. “We actually gave ample space and positioned the groynes in such a way to facilitate easy entry and exit of the fishermen boat. But now we will add more boulders to address the situation,” said an official.

Meanwhile, a proposal has been sent to add 12 more groynes along Ennore Creek to the government. “The installation of groynes can bring temporary solution to address the problem of soil erosion. Eventually, the river will find its course,” added the official.